Paradox in a Pot: Yes, You Can Grow an Herb Garden in the City

by Samantha Dupler

on 08/28/14 at 03:50 PM

When you're surrounded by cement and city blocks, the idea of growing an herb garden in an urban apartment can seem next to impossible. How can anything green grow around here when the nearest "plant" in a mile-wide radius is made of plastic, covered in glitter, and sold during Christmastime at a corner store bodega?

But hear us out: as long as you've got even the tiniest sliver of light and a few drops of water, fresh and tasty herbs can be yours. For real.

Be prepared to never again walk six blocks to the grocery store for an expensive bunch of basil when you only need a sprig, or forgo fresh ingredients in your next herb-crusted steak! This is the magic of city gardening, a paradox in a pot.

Know What to Grow

You know your pad better than anyone else. If you've got a huge window with an abundance of light, go with something that soaks up the sun, like parsley or sage. Keep a home temperature somewhere between 65 and 70 degrees? Chervil grows best when it's not too hot or too cool.

And if you're living in a studio the size of a shoebox, stay away from mint plants unless you've got the time to trim 'em: those leaves grow fast and can fill the space around them!

Keep in mind the herbs you use most often, too. If every night is taco night, a pot of cilantro is a good idea. Is Thai food is your thing? Consider a lemongrass plant. Try growing spice combinations to bundle together for a fragrant herb brush, perfecting for grilling!

Go Green With Gadgets

Aside from the usual tools like shovels and spades, there's a whole world of helpful (and adorable) planters and pots.

These "rainy pot" planters feature the most cheerful rain clouds we've ever seen, and mount easily to a kitchen wall. If you're worried about a harsh stream of water poured from a bottle disrupting your herb's roots, this little gizmo trickles the water down for you in a gentle drizzle.

But if you're really strapped for time and want most of the hard parts done for you, the Smart Herb Garden takes care of all sunlight, watering, and oxygen needs. The only thing you have to do? Pluck your herbs of choice and sprinkle them over a pasta dish.

Keep in mind too the differences between various herbs: rosemary and thyme are hardier, while dill and basil grow quickly. Gadgets like these can seriously help you to manage the herbs that fit your gardening style best!

Harvest!

And now that you've got your garden up and runnin', it's time to get inspired with some fresh herb dishes.

We moved to a condo this spring and I have had a very successful herb garden.I grow basil, parsley, rosemary, sage, mint, thyme and chives in posts on an 18" ledge on the 6th floor. I am blessed with full morning sun.